Part 2 Fellowship Written Component

The Part 2 FRCOphth Written and Oral examinations combined form a synoptic exit examination that use several different and complementary assessment methods. Success in the Part 2 FRCOphth Written and Oral examinations allows a doctor to become a Fellow of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists. FRCOphth is a necessary but insufficient requirement for completion of specialty training in the UK. The examinations are blueprinted against the General Medical Council’s Good Medical Practice and the detailed learning outcomes of the curriculum for Ophthalmic Specialist Training (OST), which has been approved by the GMC.

Candidates are expected to demonstrate a depth of knowledge and understanding expected of an independent specialist (consultant) not sub-specialising in the field being tested. Candidates are required to pass both the Part 2 FRCOphth written and oral examinations by the end of year seven of ophthalmic specialist training. Candidates in OST should note that a pass achieved after completion of the training programme will not be considered towards the award of a CCT. From 1 August 2014, candidates are permitted a maximum of four attempts in which to pass the Part 2 FRCOphth Written Component and four attempts to pass the Part 2 FRCOphth Oral Component. Examination attempts prior to August 2014 are not included.

The Written Component is held twice a year; in June and late November/December. Candidates are required to pass the Part 2 FRCOphth Written Component, i.e. the MCQ paper, before they are eligible to apply to sit the Part 2 FRCOphth Oral Component.

The validity of a pass in the Part 2 FRCOphth Written Component will be limited to seven calendar years. Candidates who have not successfully completed the Part 2 FRCOphth Oral Component within this time will be permitted to re-sit the written component on the proviso that they have not exhausted the permitted four attempts at the written component and retain at least one attempt at the oral component.

Candidates are advised to read the ‘Instructions for Candidates for the Part 2 FRCOphth Examination’ for further information on the Part 2 FRCOphth Examination.

Structure of the Part 2 FRCOphth Written Examination

A 180, single best answer from four, MCQ paper. For logistical reason, the MCQ paper is sat in two halves of 90 MCQ over two hours each. The total examination time is four hours. A copy of the written examination blueprint is available in the ‘Instructions for Candidates for the Part 2 FRCOphth Examination’.

Standard Setting

All examinations are standard set. The written paper is standard set in advance using the Ebel method. All questions are reviewed in the light of performance and modified accordingly.

Part 2 FRCOphth Written Result

To pass the Part 2 FRCOphth Written Component, candidates are required to achieve the pass mark plus one standard error of measurement (SEM).

Notification of Results

The results of the Part 2 FRCOphth Written Component will be dispatched by post two weeks after the day of examination. Examiners and candidates are not permitted to telephone the College for examination results.